Camp Life

The Aloha Music Camp is an immersion into the culture and music of Hawai`i. No matter if you are a longtime student of slack key guitar, a kama`aina wishing to get back to your roots, or simply someone who loves the islands and wants experience them from the Hawaiian point of view, we greet you with a lei and a smile. Welcome to our `ohana.

Click here to read about the camp in the November 2005 issue of Spirit of Aloha from Aloha Airlines.

A Day at the Aloha Music Camp

• Breakfast on the lanai – tropical fruit, Kona coffees, herbal teas – and healthy entrees cooked to order to prepare you for a full day of activities.
• Morning classes in hula, slack key guitar or `ukulele at all levels. Learn new skills, or perfect your chops.
• A quick swim, then a hearty lunch with new friends.
• Afternoon electives – So many choices: Hawaiian language, lei making, oli (Hawaiian chant), a master class with Keola Beamer, a private lesson... or maybe just play hooky at the beach.
• Song session with some of Hawaii's best musicians and instructors. Put those new skills to use.
• At the midpoint of camp the schedule is light so you can explore the island: visit historic Kalaupapa, book a kayak trip, ride the trails with local paniolo... or take advantage of some informal lessons and talk story with our instructors.
• Dinner – Tonight's choices: fresh fish, chicken laulau, gourmet entrees, fresh garden vegetables and ono deserts.
• Most nights feature Evening Concerts – Hawaii's best entertainers up close and personal. You'll never see a show with so much aloha – or with a better view!
• After the concert – meet at the campfire for kani ka pila (informal music and dance session), then fall asleep listening to the gentle sounds of nature...

"We love our Aloha Music Camp `ohana. Even on crazy days when you may slip from our thoughts, you are always in our hearts. I better mail this now, I'm starting to cry. Much Aloha!!"

Crafts classes are fun.

You are the star at the Student Concert!

What to Bring

Prepare for your stay at the Aloha Music Camp as you would for any vacation to Hawai`i. Here's a list to help you pack:

• Tropical attire – sandals, beach wear, shorts and swim suits. Aloha shirts and mu`umu`u are appropriate for evenings. Days are warm and the nights may be cool or balmy.
• Waterproof sunscreen, hat and dark glasses. You might want a long sleeve shirt for sun protection.
• A lightweight rain coat or poncho – evening showers, though rare, are a possibility.
• Insect repellent – Although Hawai`i is blissfully free of poisonous snakes and harmful insects, we do share our world with flying bugs. A natural repellent is best for the environment and your instrument's finish. The little lizards you see are harmless geckoes. If you listen closely, you may hear them singing.
• Snorkel equipment and an underwater camera. Rentals are available just about everywhere in Kona/
• Sandals of rubber slippers are fine for the beach and grounds. If you plan to visit the volcano or go hiking, pack lightweight hiking boots for the trails.
• Cassette or MiniDisc recorder, extra media & batteries. Useful for documenting workshops & learning new songs.
• Camera and film, video recorder – great for capturing memories. Out of courtesy to our guest artists, we ask that you refrain from video and audio taping the evening concerts.
• Some participants find a portable music stand useful.
• And don't forget to bring your guitar, `ukulele, extra strings, capo, etc.

Don't forget to bring one of our fabulous Aloha Camp T-shirts or hats! Order yours on-line today.

Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions page before you leave home!